Signs of Postnatal Depression

Signs of Postnatal Depression:

Signs of Postnatal depression are experienced by new mothers after childbirth. They are classified into three categories as described below:

• ‘Baby blues’- This Sign of Depression is very common in all mothers. The sign of depression causes great irritation and the woman feels very miserable. It usually occurs on the 3^rd day and goes away by itself on the 10^th day. No medical attention or treatment is needed.

• Postnatal depression- This sign of depression usually occurs between the first 4 to 6 weeks after delivery, in 1 out of 10 new mothers. Such a Depression continues for several months and should be treated by a psychiatrist.

• Postnatal psychosis- This type of depression is very rare and severe form of depression seen in 1 out of 1000 new mothers.

Further in details of Postnatal Depression are given below:

Signs of postnatal Depression:

The signs of depression encountered by postnatal patients are the same as any other depression. There can be few additional signs of depression present in such patients:

• Mood is at lower ebb all through the day, particularly early in the morning.

• Feeling like crying all the time.

• Not having interest in anything, not even in the baby and in you.

• Loss of concentration.

• Feeling dejected and guilty.

• Even at times get a thought of killing your own baby and times if you are more depressed then you feel like committing suicide. But the reality is that a new mother gets only such feelings and none is harmed because of that.

• In addition to all these a depressed mother may have disturbed sleep pattern, loss of appetite and loss of interest in sex.

But these are pretty much common in all women post delivery. Most of it will fade away by itself by time.

What is the actual reason of postnatal depression?

The reason is still ambiguous. But the researchers declare that such depression are common and occur due to the stress they face due to childbirth, there is a feeling of being isolated and additional responsibility they have on the new born, etc. At times other than these postnatal depression is a serious issue if the following things had happened:

• If you had earlier problems of depression or postnatal depression in your earlier childbirth.

• If you were depressed during pregnancy.

• If you already have a marital or relationship related issues with your spouse.

• No family or friends to help you around.

• Financial related issues.

• Health related post pregnancy problems such as urinary incontinence, etc.

Difference between Postnatal Psychosis and Postnatal Depression:

Postnatal Psychosis is same like postnatal depression, but it is a severe form of depression. Person suffering from postnatal psychosis suffers not only with the signs of depression but also has Delusions which means false beliefs about something, hallucinations which means hearing unwanted voices, very odd psychiatric behaviour, Irritation, etc. Such mothers may not know that they are really affected by postnatal psychosis. In this condition a doctor should be informed as there is a major risk for both mother and the baby. This is a very rare situation and all mothers who are affected by postnatal depression don’t fall into this category.

Treatments for Postnatal Depression:

The best advice given by doctors is to give full support, love and affection from the family members. If you are depressed try to talk it to your spouse or any other close member of your family or any close friend of yours who can give you full mental support.

Contacting self-help groups and discussion of problems is beneficial. It is surprising to know that many women fall into the same category. If there is no relief consultation with a psychologist is advised.  Take the medication advised by the psychologist and follow the guidelines it can be helpful in coping with new born. Anti Depressants are to be taken with care considering the harmful effects to the child, if the child is on breast milk feeding.

If the depression is in a mild form best way is relaxation by exercising such as swimming, walking, jogging, etc. or talking of the problems to a friend:

If you have the above said signs of depression consult your psychiatrist and take the needed help immediately.